'Vicar Of Dibley' hit with complaints over Black Lives Matter reference

The BBC has been hit by complaints after it was revealed that the Black Lives Matter movement will come up in The Vicar Of Dibley Christmas special.

The much-loved sitcom is back for a series of festive episodes, which will see Dawn French’s Reverend Geraldine Granger talking to her parishioners on Zoom because of the coronavirus pandemic.

One instalment will apparently see the Rev take the knee and deliver a sermon about the Black Lives Matter movement.

Watch: Dawn French admits it was tough filming an emotional tribute to Vicar Of Dibley's Alice Tinker

Read more: Dawn French filmed eulogy for Emma Chambers in Vicar Of Dibley special

And according to The Telegraph, around 100 people have complained about the fact the movement will be referenced, even though the episode hasn’t even aired.

The BBC has now addressed the issue in a statement on its site.

It said: “We received complaints that an upcoming episode will reference the Black Lives Matter movement.

“In The Vicar of Dibley in Lockdown, Geraldine shares with her congregation her take on some of the key stories of 2020, including clapping for the NHS, the Black Lives Matter movement, lockdown, and school exams being cancelled.

“She is a much-loved and well-established comic character and will be seen processing the year’s events in her familiar outspoken and high-spirited way.”

Read more: Dawn French returns as Geraldine Granger in first look at Vicar Of Dibley revival

The Vicar Of Dibley originally ran for two seasons between 1994 and 1998, and produced 10 special episodes as well as six Comic Relief offerings.

The specials also see the show pay tribute to late cast member Emma Chambers.

The actor – who played Alice Tinker – died two years ago at the age of 53 after a suspected heart attack.

Watch: Find out why The Vicar Of Dibley fans are divided over Christmas special